NHAI gets 3 months to curb accidents on expressway, speed limit may be raised later

BENGALURU: After the implementation of a speed limit on the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway, the number of accident cases has reduced significantly. Now the road safety department has set a deadline of three months for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to fix some problems on the expressway and to complete pending work.

As per a gazette notification, two-wheelers, autorickshaws and tractors including e-carts, bullock carts and tongas have been banned on the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway since August 1. Riders of these vehicles have been instructed to use the service road and police personnel have been posted at the entry and exit points. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Alok Kumar has instructed the police to levy fines on two-wheeler riders and autorickshaw driver who flout the ban.

The speed limit on the expressway has been set at 100 kmph after over two dozen fatal accidents. The road safety department has given NHAI a deadline of three months to complete all works, including installation of signages on the highway and completion of service roads.

Since two-wheeler and three-wheeler traffic has already been banned, it is expected that the number of accidents will drop further. There is a plan to increase the speed limit if there is no increase in the number of deaths due to accidents in the next three months. Officials say that the speed limit of 100 kmph may be increased to 120 kmph.

Alok Kumar, ADGP-Traffic and Road Safety, said that accidents have reduced considerably on the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway. The NHAI issued the order on July 12 to ban the movement of two-wheelers, autorickshaws, tractors, and other vehicles.

“For some time, we will sensitise road users regarding road safety while also imposing fines on them. Collecting fines is not our goal. Service roads are not completed yet and the NHAI needs to speed up its work. I suggested that oru department officials strike a balance between the NHAI order while also keeping the interests of riders in mind. If we come across aggressive or stubborn people or those who interfere with our duty, they will be fined”.